Technically we could build a fighter. Starting an assembly line would not be that hard. We could even make a case for building our own F-35's under Lockheed's guidance. I actually think any high volume aircraft purchase we make should include local assembly and I don't believe that is beyond reason. 65 F-35's would be worth ramping up a production line. That is the easy part though.
R&D is expensive. The technology belongs to the U.S. manufacturers and they aren't giving it away. You could figure it all out, but who is going to fund it? We don't even have the stomach to pay fr the ready made product, which is actually a pretty damn good aircraft contrary to what the liberals are saying about it.
Stealth technology is a science, just because you can read about it on the net doesn't mean you can make it work.
Bombardier is billions in debt trying to build a fairly simple jetliner. They are way behind on delivery. Canadians don't want to help (rightfully so but that's a whole different discussion). And you propose we could fund a from scratch fighter jet program? R&D on the F-35, lets say the 750M is correct, is what an established company spent, using shared technology, and with government support.
I would LOVE for Canada to be a bigger player in this industry! Unfortunately that will never happen.
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